Bidderbuzz Auction "There is a large gathering from around the neighbourhood and a fist full agents added in for good measure – people are everywhere. John Piccolo proudly describes himself as a 'Hawthanian' and this offering as a 'ten out of ten … a blank canvas’. The penciller’s page doesn't remain blank for long because once a clear voice calls an opening at $2,500,000 a couple more take the plunge with vigor and it’s on. 'Whoa, whoa, whoa', calls Mr Piccolo to his rambunctious bidders when their shouting over one another gets a bit messy and confusing. Once sorted out the battle is back on as no less than six bidders in total have a crack. Announced as on the market around $2,960,000, a whirlwind of bids continue through the early $3 million range as our auctioneer does 360s to manage his bidders stationed north, south, east and west of him. Bidder 3 is looking firm, Bidder 4 steps off the stage. At $3,400,000 bids in all shapes keep coming. Bidder 2 and 3 have a battle. Bidders 5 and 6 crop up with the number nudging $3,500,000 and now these two fight as it rounds into the home straight. There is a pause or two, yet neither will give in, both finding $5000 rises late in the stretch, until Bidder 5 hits pay dirt with a $2,500 rise to $3,530,000." (Randall Smith)

Biggest Sale: HAWTHORN, 22 Chrystobel CrJames Tostevin (Marshall White - Hawthorn); Under Hammer, Bought range: $3,596,250 - $3,956,250 - 4 Bidders "There is some energy here. A big crowd and with bidders coming in and out of play. Opening at $3,200,000 the rises came in $25,000 increments until soon put on hold at the half-time break. Although it was hardly half time - the auction had only just begun. At the restart, potential bidder number 3 was asking if the home was on the market and it was once he offered a bid of $3,340,000. Now bids were in 20s and it continued with some pauses. A firm bid rounded up to $3,600,000. At $3,625,000 a small voice called out 'Will you take five?' 'No, twenty!' came the firm response from James Tostevin. More pauses between bids, not that it was slow going, deliberate decisions were being made. Slow going for the kids in the crowd though whose patience was wearing thin and they became more vocal the longer the battle went on. At $3,660,000 the voice rang out again, 'Take one?' 'Nah. This is becoming comical', Mr Tostevin was adding commentary now. Eventually fives were allowed, even some twos, then a strong bid to round $3,700,000 by an early bidder still didn't secure them the home. A few bids later Bidder 3 was looking strongest and when the underbidder walked the battle was over." (Randall Smith)

Biggest Pass In: HAWTHORN, 50 Kinkora RdSam Wilkinson (Kay & Burton - Hawthorn); Passed In: $5,050,000 - 0 Bidders "The spring crowds are in full swing. Sam Wilkinson and his team have run out of brochures for Kinkora and familiar faces from earlier auctions are making a day of it by attending a few. With homes around the neighbourhood fetching up to $10 million Sam thinks half that is a fair place to start and opens on a vendor bid of $5,000,000. When a sea of hands do not go up a second vendor bid is placed and a half-time break is taken. Passed in without further activity after the referral." (Randall Smith)